This week’s must-reads: The Function of Boredom is a Call to Action

In my work as a behavioral designer, I come across important stories on how psychology influences our behavior. Every week, I share my round-up of the most important stories at the intersection of psychology, technology and business. I hope you enjoy them!

Employees who practice mindfulness meditation are less motivated, having realized the futility of their jobs (BoingBoing) People who meditate are more focused but don’t perform better than their less calm, more anxious colleagues.

The Threat of Boredom is a Call to Action (Behavioral Scientist) Boredom is not a feeling we generally seek out but the function of boredom is a call to action.

[VIDEO] The Science Behind Minecraft’s Design: How to build a billion-dollar business (Zaurbek Gamifies) Minecraft has been dominating for more than a decade now. But what makes it so successful?

Why People Become Internet Trolls (OneZero) It is easier to view trolls as bad apples than see them as something inside of all us, waiting for the right environment to let loose.

Face Masks May Be The Key Determinant of the Covid-19 Curve, Study Suggests (Forbes) Wearing face masks may be the central variable that determines the spread of the virus.

Why can’t we stop ourselves from procrastinating? (Fast Company) Procrastination is about our unwillingness to deal with unpleasant emotions.

Happy reading!

- Nir